respiratory physio

[swanseajack]

Hi folks, I’ve got Asthma and Bronchiectasis and my first appointment with respiratory physio is tomorrow. Does anyone know what I can expect as it’s quite new to me. Thanks

[helenlw7]

I’m on the waiting list for physio, having been diagnosed with asthma and bronchiectstasis in 2012. My breathing has started getting worse so I asked about physio in April. I’m on the waiting list but it’s 12 months!

[Swizzy in reply to helenlw7]

You don't need to wait for the physio. Self management by doing our own physio to clear the lungs of mucus is very important in preventing infections and helping to ease breathlessness. There is lots about it and breathing tecniques for clearing lungs on You tube. Get going now so that by the time you see the physio you will be in a routine . They will be impressed .

[helenlw7 in reply to Swizzy]

I only have mucus when I have a chest infection, and I’ve only had 2 since starting Azithromycin as a prophylactic about 8 years ago. The 2 infections happened when I was told to stop the Azithromycin, firstly in year 1 by the consultant who said people don’t have chest infections in the summer! The second one was when my Rheumatoid Arthritis medication was changed and it wasn’t compatible with Azithromycin, could cause heart and lung problems. I ended up in hospital for 7 weeks with pneumonia! I’ve queried the bronchiectstasis diagnosis with my lung consultant but he says it is.

[Swizzy in reply to helenlw7]

I'm not querying your diagnosis. I am simply saying that you do not have yo wait for a physio appointment to do the exercises.

[helenlw7 in reply to Swizzy]

Sorry for whatever I wrote that makes you think you’re querying my diagnosis, I didn’t think you were!

[Patk1 in reply to helenlw7]

Have u done pulmonary rehab Helenlw7.may be useful 4u.read up on aluk website on controlled pursed lips breathing.its really useful x

[Gilou in reply to helenlw7]

It will certainly include exercises to clear mucus when you have any - this is important for keeping infections away, even if you're having prophylactic abx - but there's more to it than that. As well as all kinds of advice/guidance about breathing, managing your condition etc you'll almost certainly get a guided, supervised exercise routine - very mild exertion at first, building up as you get stronger. Don't worry if you get breathless, that's the idea! The aim is to give you more confidence in everyday activities, and to get your body working better - it isn't focused on the lungs specifically, but the more healthy your muscles are (including your heart!) the less oxygen they need to work properly, and the better use they can make of what they get. More efficient muscles = less demand for oxygen = less effortful breathing. I found it extremely helpful (especially in building back some confidence in my body after pneumonia), and the bonus is that there'll be others doing it with you who are all in the same or a similar boat as you, and will be sympathetic. Good luck!

[Swizzy]

You will learn breathing tecniques to be able to expel the mucus from your lungs. You need to do this to deprive bacteria of the warm wet environment that they like to breed in which leads to exacerbations and makes you poorly. You don't need to wait for the physio. There is lots on You tube. Get going because it is very important.

[armstrong2]

hi l have had 3 occasions of pulmonary rehab and l enjoyed every session but unfortunately this last one which was only 2weeks ago l had to give up due to having server pains in my chest and now waiting for app to see cardio....hope you enjoy it as much l did .....the gym is best ! it also helps breathing problems and overall your mental welfare ..good luck and enjoy

1

[Bingo88 in reply to armstrong2]

Good morning Armstrong 2. I am interested to hear you say the gym is best. I too have severe copd and Asthma, and I just thought that a gym would be a waste of time because I would spend most of my time just trying to get my breath back all the time. I am finding now that I can't walk around the supermarket without getting short of breath and having to stop. Brian

[armstrong2 in reply to Bingo88]

good morning the gym helps you become more stronger health wise and all the excersises are bespoken only to you and to your health conditions ...walking , stretching .cycling . ....before the gym you are given a 20/30 minuet talk each session on breathing ect all is very informative ....if your breathing is that bad do you walk at the supermarket with a trolley l find it helps ...something also to lean on ?

[Bingo88 in reply to armstrong2]

Thanks for your reply and answers. I will see if anything like this is available in my area. My only past experience of the gym was private trainers wanting to charge you to coach you. I do still struggle around the supermarket with a trolley. I have done the Pulmonary rehabilitation course and find it helped

[Patk1]

They'll probably teach u how to clear lungs with active cycle of breathing(acbt) postural drainage etc and may give u a flutter device to help eg aerobika.their advice is teaching you self management techniques as it's the key to managing bronchiectasis/asyhma

[Coughingalltheway]

Hi,

I'm a bit late with my reply but if it's your first appointment then they usually check your medical history, find out what meds & inhalers you're on to see if they're still suitable, check your height, weight, sometimes BP & oxygen levels and then they create a plan for you going forward. It could be additional tests and or PR if you haven't been in the last year.

Good luck and I hope that all goes well. x

[Biker88]

a good physio will assess your breathing technique and teach you how to improve it, most people only shallow breath a physio should show you how to use your diaphragm and the correct way to breath

[LissacFrance]

Hopefully you will see a big improvement. My wife has physio 3x per week, she also does lots of breathing exercises on her own as well as aiming for 10,000 steps in the day. Not always possible if torrential rain, in which case is a few sessions on the exercise bike. good luck and let us know how you get on, Chris.

[katieoxo60]

Hi there , I have had my Physio for breathing , Its changed a little now it is backed at my hospital by Asthma UK. I had to have it incase I need an op on my lung. Its quite light exercises and they measure your speed of walking with the 6 minute walk. It used to be speeded up as you went along but not anymore. The appointment is usually around 40 minutes or so. Its to get a general report on your breathing capacity as normally you will have had breathing tests done elsewhere. My second one is due in October to make sure theres no deterrioration following radiotherapy . I agree with Swizzy they are only the exercises you should be doing at home anyway. SElf help can be found on line. Good luck , hope the replies help.

[Fresco]

Discuss your situation, probably assess normal OBS, chest, BP etcWeight height,